美英报刊文章阅读课程期末复习指导

《美英报刊文章阅读》课程期末复习指导

一、课程说明：本课程采用的文字教材为《美英报刊文章阅读》，由9个单

元，30课书组成。考虑到该课程教学时数的限制和教材本身所含的信息量大, 学生学习负担可能偏重等因素, 特规定以下15课为必学内容。这15课内容在18周内完成, 平均每周1课, 余下的三周用作期末复习.

15课必学内容为:Lessons1,3,4,5,6,8,13, 15, 17,19，20，21,24,28,30。其余内容供学生自学.

二、课程性质：本课程属于中央电大的统设课, 省管选修课.

三、阅读美英报刊必须打好下列两项基本功：

1、新闻词语：

新闻语言与我国学生在中学和大学低年级所学课文的规范语言不完全相同。学生们以前所学的内容大多是关于学习和人生哲理的一些小故事，对新闻语言很陌生，词义面也窄，一见到run, race, juice, measure, Speaker, gunship, establishment, take a walk, go fishing, high profile, dry, wet, He blinked和I ’m a family man就容易本能地分别认为是“跑”、“竞赛”、“汁”、“措施”、“发言人”、“炮舰”、“建立”、“散步”、“去钓鱼”、“高姿态”、“干”、“湿”、“他眨眼睛了”和“我是一个有家室的人”；而在时事英文中，这些词语很可能分别为“竞选”、“竞选”、“神通”、“议案”、“议长”、“武装直升机”、“权势集团”、“退党”、“与党离心离德”、“引人注目或公开的”、英国保守党中的“强硬派”、“温和派”、“他顶不住而退让了”和“我是一个治家有方、治国（或治州、治市）有道的人”等词义。由此可见，初学者必须拓宽词义，逐渐掌握一定数量的新闻词语，尤其要注意一词多义，不能一见到culture, challenge, resources story等就想当然认为只是“文化”、“挑战”、“资源”和“故事”的词义。

2、国际知识：

学英语不能仅仅局限于学语言，还要注意积累各方面的知识，有了比较广泛的知识，才能收到更好的学习效果。美英报刊涉及的面极广，政治、军事、外交、经济、文化、教育等内容无所不包。如不了解背景，有些词语和文章就难以理解。如看到Afghanistan ’s ，就只知道是“阿富汗主义”，至于什么是阿富汗主义，就知之甚少了，更不知道为什么多数美国总统推行“宁管天边乱，不闻眼前事”的政策或主张。实际上，Afghanistanism 是“重外交、轻内政的政策或作法”，因为国内问题往往积重难返，见效慢，而外交问题举世瞩目，易出风头，在选民中易得分，以利他们竞选连任。“9·11”事件后，美国对阿动武，推翻了塔利班政权，该词词义今后或许会有所变化。

六、平时作业：教材中的作业：该教材共分8单元，每两个单元的练习为一次作业，共4次作业。每次作业的内容不得少于12个问答题。

四、考核、考试：

《美英报刊文章阅读》课程的考核包括形成性考核和终结性考试.

1、形成性考核：

《美英报刊文章阅读》课程形成性考核占课程总成绩的30%,成绩根据学生完成作业的情况, 在课堂上的综合表现以及参加小组活动和其他学习中心组织的活动的情况综合而定。每学期至少布置四次作业, 应要求学生独立完成, 作为形成性考核成绩的主要依据。

2、终结性考试：

本课程的终结性考试占课程总成绩的70%,考试按教学大纲的要求进行, 由中央电大统一命题。考试内容应紧密结合所学教材, 重点考核学生的阅读理解能力。

本课程的考试按教学大纲的要求进行, 教材中的内容占50%，闭卷,120分钟。

五、 试题类型及分值:

Part One: Translate the following words into Chinese (40%) Part Two: Choose the right answer to each question (30%) Part Three: Answer the following questions (30%)

考试由3篇文章组成, 主要测试对其中关键词及词组的准确理解; 对某些较长句子的翻译; 回答问题, 以检验是否读懂整篇文章.

六、模拟题：以下共有5篇文章供复习.

Part A;

Best Graduate Schools

True, the majority of graduate students still favor bricks-and mortar institutions (1)and all that typically comes with them, from ivy-covered buildings to chance encounters with peers (2)and professors between classes. Yet a growing number of people are pursuing advanced degrees without stepping onto a university campus. Why the huge upsurge (3) of interest in remote learning The Internet revolution is part of the answer. The Web now provides a formerly missing ingredient in distance education(4)----quick and easy communication between students and instructors, and among

classmates. In addition, demand for distance courses has burgeoned(5) thanks to the evolution of the information-based economy. "To stay employable,(6) (workers)need to keep on learning," says Kay Kohl, executive director of the University Continuing Education Association. This trend has given rise to an older pool of graduate

students(7) : Today, more than half are over age 30, and nearly one quarter are over

40. Distance education is a great fit for these working adults, many of whom find it difficult to skip a child's ballet lesson or fight rush-hour traffic to get to a university campus for class.

As more people turn to distance education, a debate has flared over whether it can be a good substitute for face-to-face instruction.(8) Thomas Russell, author of a 1999 report titled "The No Significant Difference Phenomenon" which reviews more than 350 studies of distance-learning programs, argues that the two modes of instruction are equivalent as far as student learning is concerned. Rebecca Behrend, believes that

distance ed is the superior choice.(9) She says that discussions between student and professor, and among peers, were more rigorous than those she experienced in the two on-campus master's programs she previously attended.

But critics vehemently disagree with Russell's point of view. "I don't think you can get any education over the Internet," says David Noble, a historian of technology at York University in Toronto. " Education requires a relationship between people because it's a process of identity formation, validation, encouragement, emulation, and inspiration. This only happens face to face (10)".

Even advocates acknowledge that distance education isn't for everyone---that it takes independence, self-discipline, and a lot of motivation to succeed.(11) Further, the quality of distance-degree programs is uneven. "A majority of universities have entered the distance-learning market rapidly and are not well prepared," says Vicky Phillips, "Students run the risk of being guinea pigs(12)" Thus it's important to

consider an array of factors before choosing a school: accreditation, program history, cost, academic field, residency, and technology.

Translate the words and sentences underlined above in the passage into Chinese.

1. 2.

3. 4.

5. 6.

7 8.

9. 10.

11 . 12.

Answer questions in English:

Why are institutions engaging in distance education thought of as best graduate schools

Will the distance education substitute the traditional education Explain.

What's the advantage of remote learning

What are the factors you should consider before you choose a distance-education school

Part B:

Killing in the name of God

How could faith beget such evil (1) After hundreds of members of a Ugandan cult,(2) the Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God, died in what first appeared to be a suicidal fire in the village of Kanungu two weeks ago, police found 153 bodies buried in a compound used by the cult(3) in Buhunga, 25 miles away. Some had been poisoned; others, often young children, strangled.

Authorities believe two of the cult's leaders, Joseph Kibwetere, a 68-year-old former Roman Catholic catechism teacher who started the cult in 1987, and his "prophetess" Credonia Mwerinde, by some accounts a former prostitute who claimed to speak for the Virgin Mary, may still be alive and on the run(4). The pair had predicted(5) the world would end on Dec. 31, 1999. When that didn't happen, followers who demanded the return of their possessions,(6) which they had to surrender(7) on joining the cult, may have been systematically killed.

The Ugandan carnage (8)focuses attention on the proliferation (9)of religious cults in East Africa's impoverished rural areas and city slums. According to the Institute for the Study of American Religion, which researches cults and sects, there are now more than 5,000 indigenous churches (10)in Africa, some with apocalyptic or revolutionary learning.

Most experts say Africa's hardships push people to seek hope in religious cults. "These groups thrive because of poverty,"(11) says harles Brown, editor of the

Monitor, an independent newspaper in Uganda. "People have no support, and they're susceptible (12)to anyone who is able to tap into their insecurity.(13)" Additionally, they say, AIDS, which has ravaged East Africa, may also breed a fatalism that helps apocalyptic notions take root.(14)

Some Africans turn to cults after rejecting mainstream Christian churches as

"Western" or "non-American". Agnes Maasitsa, 30, who used to attend a Catholic church before she joined the Jerusalem Church of Christ, says of Catholicism: "It's dull."

There is the question: How could so many killings have been carried out without drawing attention Villagers were aware of Kibwetere's sect, whose followers

communicated mainly through sign language (15)and apparently were apprehensive about violating any of the cult's commandments. There were suspicions. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni told the BBC that intelligence reports about the

dangerous nature of the group had been suppressed by some government officials. Now, there are calls for African governments to monitor cults more closely.(16) Says Gillbert Ogutu, a professor of religious studies at the University of Nairobi:" When cult leaders lose support, they become dangerous."

Translate the words and sentences underlined above in the passage. Into Chinese.

1. 2.

3. 4.

5. 6.

7 8.

9.. 10.

11. 12.

13. 14.

15. 16.

Answer questions in English:

Why did so many Ugandans die in faith

Why do people there seek hope in cults

Why do some Africans reject Christian churches

4)How could so many killings have been carried out without drawing attention Part C:

Lobbyists Out of Shadows Into The Spotlight

Recent years have seen an exploration in the number of advocates(1) hired by corporations, labor unions, individuals and other special interests who want to influence actions of the White House, Congress and regulatory agencies

Who are these people How do they earn their pay How effective are they

Lobbying, (2) a practice as old as the nation's government, got its name from the cozy relationship struck up (3)in lobbies of the Capitol and nearby hotels between members of Congress and those seeking favor..(4) In the early days, companies would often seal the vote of a politician by simply putting him on retainer.(5)

Lobbyists quickly developed an unsavory reputation (6)of being bagmen who

conducted the people's business around the poker table. Despite periodic scandals and demands for reform, Congress has been reluctant to tamper with laws guaranteeing the right of citizens to petition the government.(7)

Lobbyists come in a variety of guises, but lawyers, trade-association representatives and public relations consultants dominates the field.(8)

A number of lobbyists previously served in key government posts. The roster includes more than 300 former member of Congress, cabinet and White House officials and congressional aides.

Lobby firms come in all sizes. For every large lobbying firm doing business out of a plushy downtown building, there are scores of tiny operations (9)that often deal in specialized issues. Stanley Brand says of his small outfits: " We can be a lot more efficient than the large firms, and some clients aren't always interested in the large hitters(10)

Lobbying is big money. A highpowered organization will charge an annual retainer of $ 200,000 or more. To put a premium on winning, (11)some contracts include

"success bonus" clauses. With millions or even billions of dollars on the line in bills before Congress, the stake run high. (12)

Lobbyists often are hired not so much to influence officials as to find out what is going on in Washington that could affect a client. Mounting a drive to get voters to work on members of Congress through letters, telephone calls and personal visits can have enormous impact.(13)

Lobbying is a two-way street.(14) When they are not busy trying to sway the views of politicians, the lobbyists are engaged in raising campaign money for those same politicians.. Lobbyists, like members of most professions, have their intramural quarrels..(15)

Where lobbyists used to avoid notoriety and preferred to work behind the scenes,

(16)many seek publicity(17) as a useful tool. The Watergate era put a stop to all the underground games being played, so they came out of the closet. (18) Whether they work offstage or in the spotlight, lobbyists promise to continue exerting a powerful influence as long as there's a Washington.(19)

A) Translate the words and sentences underlined above in the passage. Into Chinese 1.

2. 3.

4. 5.

6. 7.

8. 9.

10. 11.

12. 13.

14. 15.

16. 17.

18. 19.

B) Answer questions in English:

1)Who are lobbyists usually hired by

2) What is the relationship between lobbyists and legislators

Why do some of the former senior officials choose lobbying as their profession

4) How do lobbyists earn their pay How effective are they

Part D:

Judge Sees Politics in Los Alamos Case

By Walter Pincus

Washington Post Service

WASHINGTON--------- By blaming "top decision-makers" in Washington for mistakes in the prosecution (1)of Wen Ho Lee, a federal judge in New Mexico has raised questions about the degree to which policies affected the government's case against the nuclear weapons scientist.

The judge questioned "the unfair manner"(2) in which Mr. Lee had been held in

custody, the severity of the original charges and an unexplained White House meeting just before the indictment.(3)

The implication (4)of the sharp criticism on Wednesday by Judge James Parker of

U.S District Court was that he believed government officials were inspired by factors other than a principal attempt to protect national security. (5)

"Dr Lee, I tell you with great sadness that I was led astray(6) by the executive branch of government" Judge Parker said in a courtroom packed with Mr.Lee's family and friends.

The judge's unusual remarks set off a round of finger-pointing in Washington,

(7)where Attorney General Janet Reno, the FBI director, Louis Freeh, and Energy Secretary Bill Richardson defended their handling of the case, noting that Mr.Lee had admitted to a serious security breach-(8)---illegally downloading data from the

classified (9)computer system at Los Alamos National Laboratory to 10 portable tapes, seven of which have disappeared.

The Dec. 10,1999, arrest of the Los Alamos scientist, and his indictment on 59 counts of mishandling nuclear secrets, took place in a highly charged atmosphere(10) that included accusations by Republicans that the Clinton administration was not responding aggressively to evidence of Chinese espionage.

Earlier in the year, a select House committee, chaired by Representative Christopher Cox, charged that China had stolen information on every warhead in the U.S ballistic missile arsenal.

Meanwhile, the political heat (11)was growing .In May 1999,Mr Cox said on

television :"Without question, because we have not apprehended the people who have been able to penetrate the labs over a period of many years ,we have to assume they are still there."

According to a Justice official, the decision to bring a mammoth indictment was based on the "enormous value" scientists placed on the data and the"clandestine pattern" of Mr Lee's behavior. When both elements were later found to have been overstated ,,he said, "the case seemed to collapse," (12)he said .

Once jailed, Mr.Lee was placed in solitary confinement. That drew heated

criticism(13) from the judge.

"We're paying the piper on that,(14)" said a senior official who participated in the case." We pushed solitary confinement to make life as difficult as possible so that he would tell us why he took the tapes and what he had done with them," the official said. Both Justice and Energy officials took issue with(15) the implication that politics was involved in the process, and with the suggestion that the meeting between White House and Justice officials prior to the indictment was improper,

"Politics was never in the equation,"(16) said one senior Energy official who was in that meeting .The primary issue, he said, was "have we given Justice prosecutors enough wiggle room so that we could take the case to trial without compromising security information."

Senator Arlen Specter said he would schedule hearings to investigate whether Justice Department officials" tried to make up for their blunders by unfairly throwing the book at Dr .Lee."(17)

But the committee's ranking Democrat ,Senator Patrick Leahy said he would "urge caution" because past congressional hearings on alleged Chinese espionage might have been largely to blame for (18)mistakes in Mr. Lee's prosecution. A "central issue," he said, is: "Did congressional pressure push the government to indict too quickly and to focus too soon on the wrong target "

Translate the words and sentences underlined above in the passage. Into Chinese.

1. 2.

3. 4.

5 6.

7. 8.

9 10.

11. 12.

13. 14.

15. 16.

17. 18.

B) Answer questions in English:

1)Who are the top decision-makers in the case

2) What are the factors which have caused government officials to accuse Mr. Lee of spying

3) Did the Justice and Energy officials in question agree with what Judge Parker said

4) Who is to blame in the case

Part E:

The Rich Get Richer and elected

The House of Representatives, which prides itself on being "the people's House." has been turning into a rich man's club.

The representatives newly elected in 1984 were almost four times as wealthy as the first-term lawmakers elected only six years before, according to a new study based on the members' financial reports.

Behind this remarkable swing(1) , the study says, are two main factors: a court decision that outlawed(2) limits on what candidates could give to their own

campaigns, and the enormous growth in the cost of pursuing a seat in Congress. As a result, it is increasingly difficult for candidates of modest means, particularly women, to mount successful challenge to entrenched office holders.(3)

One solution, (4)the author contend, is a system of public financing for campaigns, but Congress seems in no mood to change the political rules any time soon.

"The lower chamber is growing upper class," said Mark Green, the president of The Democracy Project, a public policy institute based in New York. "But this evolution from a House of representatives to a House of Lords denies the diversity of our

democracy. It establishes a de facto property qualification for office that increasingly says: low and middle income need not apply."(5)

Members of Congress must report their assets in broad categories,(6) not exact numbers, so the figures(7) in the study are not precise. But the minimum average wealth of the 43 lawmakers first elected last year was $251,292. Six years earlier, the 74 new members reported an average of only $41,358 in assets. With inflation figure in, the increase was almost 400 percent in real terms(8)

The main reason for the change, Mr Green maintains, is the Supreme Court decision of 1976 in the case of Buckley V. Valeo. In that case, the Court ruled that limits mandated by Congress on the amount a candidate could give to his or her own

campaign were an unconstitutional abridgement of individual rights(9). At the same time, the Court upheld limits on amounts contributed by outsiders.

"Quite naturally" Mr Green said, "this puts a premium on(10) personal wealth." The second factor putting a premium on personal wealth, Mr Green argues, is the rapid rise of political action committees. They tend to favor incumbents with their campaign contributions,(11) and a result, Mr Green says, is that it takes a wealthy challenger to make a race of things.

One apparent effect is that the obstacle this pose for women who run for Congress. While women in rapidly rising numbers are capturing local and state offices, their representation on the national level has stayed static.(12) The class of 1984 included only two women: Helen Bentley of Maryland and Jan Meyers of Kansas, both

Republicans.

The authors of the study argue that some form of public financing for campaigns should be instituted. "Competition for public office should be based more upon merit than money", asserted Gene Karpinski

Mr Wertheimer, president of Common Cause, argues that "members of Congress know they have a national scandal on their hands"(13) and willing to consider public financing, or at least a total limit on PAC contributions. But the chances for change in the current system remain decidedly poor.

Obviously the current occupants of Capitol Hill have kept their seats under the present rules, which clearly favor incumbents. Accordingly, Mr Green maintains, Congress is still probably "several scandals away" from a serious push to change the campaign system.(14)

Translate the words and sentences underlined above in the passage into Chinese.

1. 2.

3. 4.

5. 6.

7. 8.

9. 10.

11. 12.

13. 14.

B) Answer questions in English:

1) In what way did the Court decision favor the wealthy candidates

2) What role do political action committees play in a campaign for public office

3) What factors put a premium on personal wealth